Morning Sickness: When It Starts, Peaks and Ends
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and it can happen at any time of day. It usually starts before 9 weeks and for most people eases by 14 weeks, though the NHS says it can last until 16 to 20. Can't keep fluids down? Get help the same day.
Around 8 in 10 pregnant women feel sick, are sick, or both, according to the NHS. It's unpleasant but usually not harmful to your baby. Find your current week with How Many Weeks Pregnant Am I?.
Typical timing
| Weeks | What's typical |
|---|---|
| 4–6 | May start; often mild queasiness, sensitivity to smells |
| 6–9 | ACOG says it usually starts before 9 weeks |
| 9–12 | Many people feel worst around now |
| 12–14 | Easing for most; ACOG says gone by 14 weeks for most |
| 16–20 | NHS says it usually clears by now |
| 20+ | A few people continue; hyperemesis may last until birth |
ACOG adds that nausea starting for the first time after 9 weeks, or coming with tummy pain, fever, headache or a swollen neck, may point to another cause, so tell your provider.
Why it happens: the exact cause isn't known. The NHS says it's thought to be linked to hormonal changes in the first 12 weeks.
Tips that help
Both ACOG and the NHS suggest starting with diet and lifestyle changes:
| Tip | Source |
|---|---|
| Eat dry toast or crackers before you get out of bed | ACOG, NHS |
| Eat 5 or 6 small meals so your stomach is never empty | ACOG |
| Choose plain, high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods (bread, rice, pasta, crackers) | NHS |
| Try bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea | ACOG |
| Add protein to meals (dairy, nuts, nut butters) | ACOG |
| Eat cold foods if hot food smells make you sick | NHS |
| Sip fluids little and often; drink through the day | NHS, ACOG |
| Avoid smells and foods that trigger nausea; use a fan when cooking | ACOG, NHS |
| Get plenty of rest; tiredness can make nausea worse | NHS |
| Try ginger (capsules, tea, sweets); check supplements with a pharmacist | ACOG, NHS |
| Try acupressure wristbands | NHS |
| Take a prenatal vitamin | ACOG |
ACOG says taking a vitamin supplement before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of severe nausea and vomiting. To protect your teeth after vomiting, ACOG suggests rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water.
Medical treatment
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, don't just put up with it. ACOG and the NHS say safe treatments are available:
- Vitamin B6 and doxylamine. ACOG says vitamin B6 may be tried first, with doxylamine added if needed, and that both have been found safe in pregnancy.
- Anti-sickness medicines (antiemetics). The NHS says your GP may recommend a short course of an antiemetic that's safe in pregnancy, often a type of antihistamine.
- Other options for severe cases, such as injections, suppositories or treatment in hospital.
Talk to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any medicine or supplement. They'll choose the right option and dose for you.
Hyperemesis gravidarum: warning signs
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy sickness. The NHS says it affects around 1 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women, and ACOG says up to 3% of pregnancies. ACOG says it may be diagnosed when someone has lost 5% of their pre-pregnancy weight and has problems related to dehydration.
Call your midwife, GP or 111 (or your provider) if you're vomiting and:
- your pee is very dark, or you haven't peed in more than 8 hours
- you can't keep food or fluids down for 24 hours
- you feel very weak, dizzy or faint when standing up
- you have tummy pain
- you have a high temperature
- you vomit blood
- you've lost weight
ACOG adds a racing or pounding heartbeat to the dehydration signs. The NHS says HG may not get better by 16 to 20 weeks and may not clear completely until the baby is born. If you had HG before, you're more likely to have it again, so plan with your team early.
Risk factors (ACOG)
- carrying more than one baby
- nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy
- a mother or sister who had severe sickness
- a history of motion sickness or migraines
Looking after yourself
Morning sickness can affect work, family life and your mood. Ask for help with meals and chores, talk to your employer about flexibility, and tell your midwife if you're feeling low. Severe sickness can be isolating; support is available. See first trimester symptoms for other early changes.
How Momi helps
Momi follows your pregnancy week by week, so you'll know when you're entering the weeks when sickness usually eases. Log your weight to keep an eye on any loss, note symptoms in the diary to share at appointments, and add appointments and medicine reminders if your provider prescribes something.
Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Related: when do pregnancy symptoms start? · pregnancy symptoms week by week · 8 weeks pregnant · pregnancy weight gain week by week
Sources
- ACOG, Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy
- NHS, Vomiting and morning sickness
- NHS, Severe vomiting in pregnancy
- Mayo Clinic, Morning sickness: Symptoms and causes
- NHS, Pregnancy vitamins and supplements
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
When does morning sickness start?
ACOG says nausea and vomiting of pregnancy usually starts before 9 weeks. Many people notice it from about 6 weeks, counted from the first day of their last period. It can happen at any time of day, not just the morning.
When does morning sickness end?
For most people, by 14 weeks according to ACOG. The NHS says it usually clears up by 16 to 20 weeks. For some it lasts longer, and for a few it continues throughout pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum may not clear completely until the birth.
Does morning sickness harm the baby?
Usually not. The NHS says morning sickness doesn't put your baby at any increased risk, and ACOG says it usually doesn't harm the fetus. Problems are more likely if you can't keep food or fluids down and lose weight, so get help early if that's happening.
What is the fastest way to relieve morning sickness?
There's no single fix. Eating something plain like dry toast or crackers before getting up, small frequent meals, sipping fluids, avoiding trigger smells and trying ginger may help. If these don't work, ask your doctor or midwife about medicines that are safe in pregnancy.
Is no morning sickness a bad sign?
No. Not everyone gets morning sickness. The NHS says around 8 out of 10 pregnant women have nausea, vomiting or both, so 2 in 10 don't. Having no sickness doesn't mean something is wrong.
Related guides
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